Jeremy Clarkson has labelled Greta Thunberg an “idiot” and blamed the climate activist for “killing” the car show.
The 16-year-old has become a leading figure in the fight against climate change, but The Grand Tour host thinks she is responsible for young people losing interest in shows like the one he fronts.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “Everyone I know under 25 isn’t the slightest bit interested in cars – Greta Thunberg has killed the car show.
“They’re taught at school, before they say ‘Mummy and Daddy’, that cars are evil, and it’s in their heads.”
His co-host Richard Hammond agreed, saying: “I hate to say it, but I think Jeremy is right.
“Young people don’t care about cars. How many kids now are growing up with posters of cars on their bedroom wall?”
While Jeremy acknowledged global warming is “very definitely a thing”, the former Top Gear host claimed Greta’s approach is all wrong.
“She’s an idiot,” he said. “Going round saying we’re all going to die, that’s not going to solve anything, my dear.”
It is not the first time Jeremy has hit out at Greta, having previously branded her a “spoilt brat” who should “go back to school”.
Writing in his Sun column in September, he said: “Pause for a moment to consider how soundly you sleep at night, knowing that adults are building and servicing and flying Sweden’s fighter planes to keep you safe.
“We gave you mobile phones and laptops and the internet. We created the social media you use every day and we run the banks that pay for it all.
“So how dare you stand there and lecture us, you spoilt brat.”